Brighton and Hove Albion are reportedly interested in signing Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden this summer.
The holding midfielder is understood to have handed in a transfer request at St James’ Park as he looks to secure a move down south on the basis of ‘exceptional family reasons’.
This appears to have prompted Brighton to express an interest in a summer deal and, according to the Chronicle, the Seagulls would be willing to spend in the region of £10 million on Hayden.
Rafa Benitez is believed to be reluctant to let Hayden go but seems likely to sanction his sale to allow the midfielder the chance to be closer to his family in the southern region of England.
Hayden was a regular for Newcastle in the first half of last season but progressively became more of a rotational option for Benitez, who could be set to lose yet another midfield option.
Ki Sung-yueng has joined on a free transfer from Swansea this summer but with Mikel Merino departing for Real Sociedad and Hayden seemingly seeking an exit, Benitez could be forced to look for another central midfielder.
